Points to Remember:

• Congratulations for hanging in there! This is the last shape in the CAGED System: The "D" shape.

• Note that on the A (5th) string you should use your 4th finger instead of your 3rd finger. This makes it easier to shift in and out of the new position.

• As I pointed out in the first video in the series, on the "C" shape, it can be helpful to notice patterns within each shape. The "D" shape is one of my favorites, since the upper 4 strings are very easy to remember and finger. The finger numbers on strings 4 and 3 (D and G) is the same, 1, 2, 4; 1, 2, 4. Then the top 2 strings (B and E), also have the same fingering: 1, 3, 4; 1, 3, 4. Easy!

• Start slow and concentrate on playing consistently and smoothly (legato, not staccato).

• Try to keep your fingers fairly close to the fingerboard--you’ll get more efficient movement that way.

• When you're ready, move to alternating picking (down-up-down-up). This way it becomes a picking practice, as well.

• Remember to play the shape all up and down the neck: It’s completely movable!